Once known as the textile capital of the world, Greenville, SC has transitioned from a mill village labor force to a city with international flavor, in terms of residents, jobs, festivals, special schools (French and German), culture and cuisine. Michelin Tire Company was the first major international business to establish its American headquarters in Greenville, and close on its heels was Bavarian automaker BMW. To support the thriving automotive industry, many other out-of-state and international companies have located nearby, thus creating a whole new concept in automotive supply and manufacturing while boosting the total labor force to approximately 200,000. Because of its growth and diversity, Greenville is often described as the economic engine that is driving the entire state. In fact, it is the public and private sectors working hand in hand that have helped to position the area as the “incubator” for a great economic future.

And Greenville is not stopping there. Anchoring the CU-ICAR campus will be the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center, named for the late governor whose leadership helped create an automotive industry cluster by bringing BMW to South Carolina a decade ago. The adjoining mixed-use acreage, known as Millennium Campus, has attractive, landscaped business sites mingled among biking trails, stone bridges and walkways. High technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and life science companies will be clustered together in an atmosphere in which each will share their expertise. There will be homes, restaurants, medical offices, all with a European design.

Along with the growing industry, Greenville today simmers with international commerce and higher education. Furman University is here, as well as a technical college.

Greenville’s Main Street is the envy of many Southern cities. It’s a leafy, lengthy stroll that affords the pedestrian a variety of experiences. Step into the historic Poinsett Hotel, exquisitely restored into a Westin property. A stroll down Main Street is an experience in itself. Banks, art galleries, retail stores and professional offices are plentiful. Restaurants cater to every ethnic group in the now-international city. In fact, Greenville even has one five-star restaurant that draws diners from as far away as California on an occasional basis. Combine the walk from North Main southward to visit the historical West End District. Near the West End District lies Reedy River Park where a traffic bridge was demolished to make way for the Liberty Bridge, a suspension, pedestrian bridge high above Reedy River Falls. It is a fantastic place to bring the family on a Spring Sunday afternoon.

There is also entertainment for the whole family. The Greenville Drive plays baseball in West End Field in Downtown’s West End. Named for the regional supermarket enterprise that helped get it built, the BI-LO Center is one of South Carolina’s largest indoor sports and entertainment complexes. The Peace Center for the Performing Arts is a $42 million dollar complex whose Concert Hall is acknowledged to be one of the finest performance facilities in the Southeast. Broadway comes to Greenville quite regularly now, attracting area theater-lovers.

The entire Greater Greenville area (Greer, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Fountain Inn and Travelers Rest) adds an additional 60,000 in population to the 56,000 residents within Greenville’s city limits, and that is expected to grow. It is a city friendly from everyone from empty nesters to corporate executives to growing families. Greenville, South Carolina truly does have it all.

Reference: http://www.carolinaliving.com/cities/greenville.asp